Recently a former student emailed asking, “Do you have any recommendations for the best open mics for newbies?”
First, to see a current list of open mics, check out badslava.com
Our main recs for open mics are:
- Try something new every time. It can be a one word change or a brand new joke, but don’t do the exact same set word for word every time.
- Go where it’s convenient for you – aka almost no mic is worth an 80-minute subway ride.
- Try a mic, if you like the vibe, keep coming back and become a regular. If you don’t like it, try somewhere else. (But keep in mind the vibe might shift a little week to week.)
- If you can find a music mic that allows comedians, those tend to be better because the musicians are “real audience” and not other comedians.
- A slight laugh at a mic is usually a good sign.
- Have low expectations. The main benefits of a mic are:
a) practicing saying words out loud while people look at you – which makes your delivery different than when you’re talking into your hairbrush at home
b) you meet other comedians and make friends and maybe do their shows
c) you get comfortable with silence, so when you’re in front of real crowds and something doesn’t hit, you don’t panic
d) you see what material to avoid based on what everyone and their mother keeps repeating.
e) working on riffing and being in the moment and thinking on your feet
Notice how the benefits don’t include “getting standing ovations” and “feeling great about comedy” – that’s because most mics will not give you that outcome. But as long as you know in advance, you won’t be disappointed.